Print processing method, photographic printer, and print stacking device and method

ABSTRACT

A print processing method used in a photographic printer which can print images on a negative film which have different aspect ratios. The print processing method comprises the steps of judging the aspect ratio of each of the images printed on photographic paper, and printing cumulative numbers of prints of each aspect ratio onto the photographic paper of a final printing. The number of prints per aspect ratio can be easily known, and the cost of the prints can be calculated more efficiently.

This is a continuation of Application No. 08/466,457 filed Jun. 6, 1995,now U.S. Pat. No. 5,583,610, which is a divisional of Application No.08/075,280 filed Jun. 11, 1993, now abandoned, which is a divisional ofApplication No. 07/907,575, filed Jul. 2, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No.5,274,422.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a print processing method and aphotographic printer for printing images of different aspect ratios, andalso to a print stacking device and a print stacking method.

1. Description of the Related Art

Printer processors are set up at DPE stores, which are so-calledmini-labs. An exposure portion, in which images recorded on a negativefilm are exposed, and a processor portion, in which exposed photographicpaper is subject to developing processing, are formed integrally in theprinter processor. By simply setting the elongated photographic paper atthe printer processor, the photographic paper can be automaticallytransported to and processed at the exposure portion and the processorportion.

Some printer processors are equipped with a printing function to printthe number of prints on the rear surface of a print. The printingfunction prints the order of prints printed from one roll of negativefilm on the rear surface of the print. In this way, the total number ofprints printed from one roll of negative film can be known by looking atthe rear surface of the final print.

At DPE stores, the calculation or verification of the cost of the printsis sometimes effected by using the number printed on the final print ofthe roll of negative film.

In recent years, the number of customers enjoying variations inphotographing size, such as high vision size, cinerama size, panoramasize, and the like, has increased. Accordingly, cameras which canphotograph images of high vision, cinerama, panorama, and other sizeshave been proposed. Such a camera can, on the same photographic film,effect standard photographing and also photograph images such as highvision, cinerama, panorama and other size images which have differentaspect ratios, i.e., the ratio of the length of the short side of theimage surface to the length of the long side thereof, which is thereference. As shown in FIG. 4A, the images are exposed onto the negativefilm such that the lengths of the longitudinal directions thereof areconstant whereas the lengths of the transverse directions are varied.Namely, standard, high vision, cinerama, and panorama size images areexposed onto the same negative film at different aspect ratios (in FIG.4A, only three types of print sizes are illustrated).

Further, some printer processors can print portions of the images. Inthese printer processors, the portions of the images other than thosefor which printing is desired can be masked, and printing ontophotographic paper is effected. In this way, prints of different aspectratios can be obtained.

When these kinds of images recorded on negative film are printed ontophotographic paper at the printer processor, the lengths in thetransverse direction of image portions of the photographic paper areuniform. The lengths in the longitudinal direction are varied bychanging the projection magnification and the masking of thephotographic paper in accordance with the aspect ratio of each image. Inthis way, the print sizes are changed, and prints of various sizes, suchas standard, high vision, cinerama, and panorama, can be obtained.

However, prints of different aspect ratios have different prices. It istherefore difficult to calculate or verify the cost of the prints fromsimply looking at the total number of prints printed on the rear surfaceof the final print.

When images recorded on film are printed onto paper and processed at aphotographic processing apparatus such as a printer processor, theimages are photometrically measured when they are positioned at theexposure position. The exposure conditions are determined based on thephotometric values, and the positioned images are printed onto paper atthe determined exposure conditions. Further, a cut mark for each printis applied to the paper. A sort mark is applied to the paper for eachprint corresponding to one order. After the paper on which the printsare printed undergoes developing, fixing, washing, and dryingprocessing, the cut marks are detected, and the paper is cut intoprints. The prints are then transported into a print stacking device(sorter). The sort marks are detected at the print stacking device, andeach order of prints is stacked in the order in which the prints weretransported thereto. After the prints are stacked by the print stackingdevice, the finish and the like of each print are inspected at aninspection process. Thereafter, the prints are compared with the film,are placed in a DP bag along with the film, and are shipped.

As described above, in recent years, prints having high aspect ratios,such as panorama size prints, have become quite popular. Cameras whichexclusively photograph panorama size images, and cameras which canphotograph panorama size images by a panorama photograph adaptor or thelike being attached thereto are sold. In print processing, theproportion of processed prints having high aspect ratios has increased.Further, aspect ratios of images recorded on a film can be varied at thecamera, and printing processing may be requested for a roll of film onwhich images of different aspect ratios are photographed.

However, the printer processors described above are constructed on thepremise that only images of a single aspect ratio are recorded on a rollof film. In the above-mentioned print stacking devices as well, thetransported prints are only stacked per order in the order in which theprints are transported to the print stacking device. Therefore, whenprints having different aspect ratios are transported to the printstacking device, the prints are stacked such that prints of differentaspect ratios are mixed. This results in poor manageability of theprints after they have been stacked. The images cannot be inspectedefficiently at the inspection process. Further, it is difficult tocompare the images with the film. Moreover, as the prints are not sortedper size, the arrangement thereof is unattractive, which does not givethe customer a good impression.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the aforementioned in view, an object of the present invention isto provide a print processing method and a photographic printer in whichcumulative numbers of prints of different aspect ratios can be verified.Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a printstacking device in which prints can be stacked so that inspection andverification work can be carried out easily. Another object of thepresent invention is to provide a print stacking method in which printscan be stacked so that inspection and verification work can be effectedeasily.

A first aspect of the present invention is a print processing methodused in a photographic printer able to print a plurality of imageshaving different aspect ratios. The print processing method includessteps of judging the aspect ratio of each of the plurality of images,and recording a cumulative number of prints, which is cumulative until afinal print, of at least images having a same aspect ratio as a judgedaspect ratio. The images are printed on photographic paper. Recording iseffected by printing onto the photographic paper on which the images areprinted.

A second aspect of the present invention is a print processing methodwhich encompasses the first aspect and includes the following features.Portions of photographic paper obtained by final printings of images ofeach aspect ratio are sorted. When aspect ratios of images printed onthe sorted photographic paper portions are judged, at least a cumulativenumber of prints, which is cumulative until a final printing, of imageshaving the same aspect ratio as the judged aspect ratio is printed oneach portion of photographic paper. The photographic paper portion is aportion of photographic paper of a size used for printing one image.

A third aspect of the present invention is a print processing methodwhich encompasses the first aspect and includes the following features.A portion of photographic paper obtained by a final printing is sorted.When the aspect ratio of an image printed on a sorted photographic paperportion is judged, cumulative numbers of prints, which are cumulativeuntil final printings, of images of each aspect ratio are printed on thephotographic paper portion. The definition of photographic paper portionis given above.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a print processing methodwhich encompasses the third aspect and includes the following features.The sorted photographic paper portion is cut, and the cut photographicpaper portion is placed on a topmost surface of a stack of photographicpapers, on which the plurality of images are printed, so that printedcontents of the cut photographic paper portion are seen. The definitionof photographic paper portion is given above.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is a photographic printer ableto print a plurality of images having different aspect ratios onto aphotographic paper. The photographic printer includes a detection meansfor detecting aspect ratios of the plurality of images, a calculatingmeans for calculating cumulative numbers of prints for each aspect ratiodetected by the detection means, and a printing means for printing foreach aspect ratio the cumulative numbers of prints, which are cumulativeuntil a time of calculation and are calculated by the calculating means,onto the photographic paper on which the plurality of images is printed.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is a print stacking device forstacking a plurality of prints in which prints having different aspectratios are mixed. The print stacking device includes a plurality ofaccommodating portions, an aspect ratio detection means detecting aspectratios of each of the plurality of prints, guide means for guiding theeach of the plurality of prints to one of the plurality of accommodatingportions, control means for controlling the guide means to guide printshaving a same aspect ratio to a same accommodating portion, and stackingmeans for stacking prints, which are guided to each of the accommodatingportions, at one place in order of sizes of the aspect ratios.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is a print stacking method ofstacking a plurality of prints in which prints having different aspectratios are mixed. The print stacking method includes the followingsteps: (a) stacking each print at accommodating portions for printshaving a same aspect ratio, and (b) stacking each group of prints, whichare stacked according to the same aspect ratio, in one place in order ofsizes of aspect ratios.

In the print processing method of the first aspect of the presentinvention, when the images are printed onto the photographic paper, theaspect ratios of the images are judged. The number of prints for eachaspect ratio is calculated. Further, the cumulative number of printsuntil the final printing, which is calculated for each aspect ratio, isprinted onto the photographic paper on which the images are printed.

In the printing processing method of the second aspect of the presentinvention, the final print of each aspect ratio is sorted. Thecumulative number of prints is printed only on the photographic paperportion of the final print of each aspect ratio. The cumulative numberof prints of an aspect ratio can be known by simply looking at the printof the final image of that aspect ratio.

In the printing processing method of the third aspect of the presentinvention, the final print is sorted, and the cumulative numbers ofprints of all aspect ratios are printed only on the photographic paperportion of the final print. The cumulative numbers of prints of eachaspect ratio can be known by looking at the print of the final image.

It is desirable to print the cumulative numbers together with marksindicating the print size of each aspect ratio.

In the printing processing method of the fourth aspect of the presentinvention, the final print obtained from the photographic film isdischarged so as to face in a direction which is different from those ofthe other prints. Usually when printing paper which has been subject toprint processing is discharged, the prints are discharged with the imagesurfaces thereof facing upward, and are sorted per order. However, inthe present aspect, the print of the final image is discharged so thatthe portions of the printed photographic paper on which the cumulativenumbers are printed can be seen. The cumulative numbers of the prints ofeach print size can thereby be verified.

In the photographic printer of the fifth aspect, when an image isprinted onto the photographic paper, the aspect ratio is detected, andthe cumulative number of prints for that aspect ratio is counted.Further, the cumulative number of prints for the aspect ratio is printedon the print by a printing means. By looking at the final print of aprint size, the cumulative number of prints of the print size can beknown.

A superior effect is achieved by the above-described first through fifthaspects in that calculation and verification of the cost of the printsis easy.

In the print stacking device of the sixth aspect of the presentinvention, the aspect ratio of each print is detected. Each print isguided into one of a plurality of accommodating portions so that printsof the same aspect ratio are guided to the same accommodating portion.The groups of prints within the accommodating portions are stacked atone place such that the groups of prints are stacked in order of theiraspect ratios. In this way, each group of prints is formed of printshaving the same aspect ratio, and the groups of prints are stacked inorder of their aspect ratios. Therefore, the manageability of the printsimproves, and inspection and verification work can be effected easily.

In a print stacking apparatus of a seventh aspect of the presentinvention, the prints are stacked per the same aspect ratio. The groupsof prints, each of which includes prints having the same aspect ratio,are themselves stacked in order of aspect ratio. Therefore, themanageability of the prints improves, and inspection and verificationwork can be effected easily.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an internal structure of aprinter processor relating to an embodiment of first through third andfifth aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic structural view of a negative carrier.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the printer processor.

FIG. 4A is a plan view illustrating a negative film.

FIG. 4B is a plan view illustrating a printed photographic paper.

FIGS. 5A through 5C are plan views similar to FIG. 4B respectivelyillustrating variations of the printed photographic paper.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operation of a control device.

FIG. 7 is a schematic structural view illustrating a vicinity of acutter portion relating to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a printer processor relating to anembodiment of sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view of a vicinity of a print stackingdevice.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a periphery of accommodating portionsof the print stacking device.

FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating an example of a negative film.

FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating an example of a color paper.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are flowcharts describing operation of the secondembodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart describing an interruption routine of the secondembodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic sectional view illustrating another example ofthe print stacking device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

A printer processor 10, which is a photographic printer related to afirst embodiment of first through third and fifth aspects of the presentinvention, is illustrated in FIG. 1. First, the entire structure of theprinter processor 10 will be described.

The exterior of the printer processor 10 is covered by a casing 12. Theprinter processor 10 is equipped with a work table 14 which protrudesfrom the casing 12 at the left side in FIG. 1. A negative carrier 18, onwhich a negative film 16 is set, is disposed on an upper surface of thework table 14. The structure of the negative carrier 18 will bedescribed in detail hereinafter.

A light source portion 36 is disposed beneath the work table 14. Thelight source portion 36 is equipped with a light source 38. Lightirradiated from the light source 38 reaches the negative film 16, whichis set on the negative carrier 18, via a filter portion 40 and adiffusion tube 42. The filter portion 40 is formed of a C, an M and a Yfilter. Each filter can appear on and withdraw from the optical axis ofthe above-mentioned light.

An optical system 46 is mounted in an optical portion 44 located abovethe work table 14. The optical system 46 is equipped with a lens 48, ashutter 50 and a reflecting mirror 51. The lens 48 and the shutter 50are disposed on the optical axis of the above-mentioned light. Lighttransmitted through the negative film 16 passes through the lens 48 andthe shutter 50, and is deflected by the reflecting mirror 51 (theoptical axis is approximately 90°) so as to form images of the negativefilm 16 onto photographic paper 54 set at an exposure room 52.

The optical system 45 is equipped with a density measuring device 56,e.g., a CCD or the like, which measures the density of the negative film16. The density measuring device 56 is connected to a controller 162. Anexposure correction value at the time of exposure is set based on datameasured by the density measuring device 56 and on data key-input by anoperator.

Printing processing is possible by the light source portion 36, theoptical system 46, and the exposure room 52, which form a printerportion exposure portion 58.

A loading portion 60 is provided in a corner area of an upper right sidesurface of the optical portion 44 and an upper surface of the casing 12.A paper magazine 64, in which the photographic paper 54 is wound in aroll on a reel 62 and accommodated, is installed in the loading portion60.

Rollers 66 are disposed in a vicinity of the loading portion 60. Thephotographic paper 54 is interposed between the rollers 66 and istransported horizontally to the exposure room 52. The photographic paper54 is trained around a roller 67 in front of the optical portion 44, andthe direction of the photographic paper 54 is changed by 90° such thatthe photographic paper 54 hangs downward. A first stock portion 69, inwhich the photographic paper 54 is guided and stocked in a substantialU-shape, is provided between the rollers 66 and the roller 67.

A variable mask 61, which masks the photographic paper 54 in accordancewith the print size, is provided in the exposure room 52. Rollers 68A,68B, 68C are disposed in a lower section of the exposure portion of theexposure room 52 so as to change the direction of the photographic paper54, upon which the images of the negative film are printed in theexposure room 52, by 90° respectively. The rollers 68A, 68B, 68Ctransport the photographic paper 54 to a color developing portion 74 ofa processor section 72 which is adjacent to the exposure room 52.

A printer 110 and a cut mark applier 112 are provided upstream of theroller 68A. The printer 110 prints size marks 100, which show the printsize, and cumulative numbers of prints N of the print sizes on the rearsurface of the printed photographic paper 54. Further, the cut markapplier 112 applies cut marks between the printed images. When printinghas been completed for all of the images of one roll of the negativefilm 16, the type of the cut marks which are applied to the photographicpaper 54 by the cut mark applier 112 is changed. In this way, it isdetermined that the images which are subsequently printed are those ofanother negative film.

As shown in FIG. 4B, in the present embodiment, the size marks 100 of astandard print A, a high vision print B, a cinerama print (omitted fromthe present embodiment), and a panorama print E are printed respectivelyas L, H, C, P in that order. Following the size marks 100 are thecumulative numbers of prints N corresponding respectively to the printsizes.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a cutter 71 is disposed downstream of theroller 68A. The cutter 71 cuts the rear end of the photographic paper 54for which exposure processing has been completed. As a result, thephotographic paper 54 remaining within the printer portion exposureportion 58 can be rewound again onto the paper magazine 64.

A second stock portion 73, in which the printed photographic paper 54 isguided and stocked in a substantial U-shape, is provided between theroller 68A and the roller 68B. In the second stock portion 73, thephotographic paper 54 is stocked such that the difference betweenprocessing times of the printer portion exposure portion 58, whereprinting processing is effected, and the processor portion 72, wheredeveloping, fixing, and washing processing are effected, is absorbed.

In the color developing portion 74, the photographic paper 54 isimmersed in developing solution and undergoes developing processing. Thedeveloped photographic paper 54 is transported to a bleaching/fixingportion 76 adjacent to the color developing portion 74. In thebleaching/fixing portion 76, the photographic paper 54 is immersed infixing solution and undergoes fixing processing. The fixed photographicpaper 54 is transported to a rinsing portion 78 adjacent to thebleaching/fixing portion 76. In the rinsing portion 78, the photographicpaper 54 is immersed in washing water and undergoes washing processing.

The washed photographic paper 54 is transported to a drying portion 80adjacent to the rinsing portion 78. In the drying portion 80, thephotographic paper 54 is trained around a roller and is exposed to hotair so as to be dried.

The photographic paper 54 which has been dried is interposed between apair of unillustrated rollers and is discharged from the drying portion80 at a constant speed. A cutter portion 84 is disposed downstream ofthe drying portion 80. The cutter portion 84 is formed of a cut marksensor 86, which detects the cut marks applied to the photographic paper54, and a cutter 88, which cuts the photographic paper 54. Each imageframe of the photographic paper 54 is cut at the cutter portion 84, andis discharged to the exterior of the casing 12 of the printer processor10. Further, the cut mark sensor 86 detects the cut marks of thephotographic paper 54 being transported at a constant speed, andoperates the cutter 88.

The photographic paper 54, which has been cut and discharged, is sortedper roll of negative film to a sorter portion 108 as finished prints.The prints accommodated at the sorter portion 108 are placed inrespective bags per each roll of film along with a delivery statementand the negative film, and are returned to the customer.

As shown in FIG. 3, each control is controlled by a controller 162. Thecontroller 162 includes a microcomputer 164. The microcomputer 164 isformed of a CPU 166, a RAM 168, a ROM 170, an input/output I/O port 172,and a bus 174, such as a data bus or a control bus or the like, whichconnects the above components.

A transport control portion 176, which controls a transport system ofthe negative film 16 and the photographic paper 54 in the printerprocessor 10, is connected to the controller 162. An exposure controlportion 178 is connected to the controller 162. The exposure controlportion 178 controls an exposure system which includes the lighting ofthe light source 38 at the printer portion exposure portion 58, theappearance and withdrawal of the filter portion 40 on the path of light,the frame advancing at the negative carrier 18, the opening and closingof the shutter 50, and the like. A drying control portion 182, whichcontrols the driving of a fan and a heater in the drying portion 80, isconnected to the controller 162. Further, a cutter control portion 184,which controls the detection of cut marks by the cut mark sensor 86 atthe cutter portion 84 downstream of the drying portion 80, and controlsthe cutting of the photographic paper 54 by the cutter 88, is connectedto the controller 162.

Moreover, a printing control portion 186 is connected to the controller162. The size marks 100, the cumulative numbers of prints N, and the cutmarks are applied to the photographic paper 54 upon an operationalsignal from the controller 162. The negative carrier 18 is connected tothe controller 162 as well.

As shown in FIG. 2, the negative carrier 18 is disposed on the worktable 14 in order to position the negative film 16 on the optical axisfrom the light source portion 36. The negative carrier 18 is formedmainly by a pedestal 200 and an opening/closing cover 202. A transportpath 204 is formed between the pedestal 200 and the opening/closingcover 202. The negative film 16, which is withdrawn from a cartridge 15or the like, is inserted through the transport path 204.

A portion of the outer peripheral portion of the pedestal 200 protrudestoward the transport path 204 of the negative film 16. A plurality oftransport rollers 206, which are driven by an unillustrated pulse motoror the like, is provided thereat. Further, press rollers 208, whichcorrespond respectively to the transport rollers 206, are provided atthe opening/closing cover 202. The negative film 16 is interposedbetween and transported by the transport rollers 206 and the pressrollers 208.

A printing opening 210 is formed in the pedestal 200 and in theopening/closing cover 202 on the optical axis from the light source 38.Image frames of the negative film 16, which is transported on thetransport path 204, are positioned at the printing opening 210 and areexposed. An upper mask 212 is provided above the pedestal 200 at theprinting opening 210. The upper mask 212 can freely mask the imageframes so that the images are printed at high vision size, cineramasize, panorama size and the like, in addition to full size used forstandard images. The mask size is changed by the driving of anunillustrated motor or the like in accordance with the aspect ratio ofthe negative film 16 positioned at the printing opening 210. Further,the negative film 16 is held between the pedestal 200 and the upper mask212 by the driving of an unillustrated solenoid or the like.

A reading head 214, which projects from the opening/closing cover 202into the transport path 204, is provided on the transport path 204upstream of the printing opening 210. The reading head 214 is connectedto the controller 162 via an unillustrated decoder such that magneticinformation recorded on the negative film 16 is read by themicrocomputer 164. Magnetic information recorded on the negative film 16includes various types of information such as the number of images ofthe negative film 16, information regarding the aspect ratio and amountof exposure of each image, and the like. The recording medium of theinformation is not limited to a magnetic medium; an optical or anelectronic memory or the like may be used.

A perforation detection sensor 216 is provided upstream of the readinghead 214. In the perforation detection sensor 216, a light-emittingportion 218 and a light-receiving portion 220 are provided such that thetransport path 204 of the negative film 16 is interposed therebetween. Asignal line of the perforation detection sensor 216 is connected to thecontroller 162 via an unillustrated counter. The controller 162 controlsthe transport amount of the negative film 16 while counting the numberof perforations formed in the negative film 16.

A image plane detection sensor 222 is provided in a vicinity of theperforation detection sensor 216. The image plane detection sensor 222detects image frames of negative films 16, which are not restricted toone perforation per image frame, and positions the image frames at theprinting opening 210. In the image plane detection sensor 222, alight-emitting portion 224 and a light-receiving portion 226 areprovided such that the transport path 204 of the negative film 16 isinterposed therebetween. In the light-emitting element 224, a pluralityof light-emitting elements, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or thelike, is ordered along the transverse direction of the transport path204 such that uniform light is irradiated along the transverse directionof the transport path 204. In the light-receiving portion 226,light-receiving elements are ordered so as to correspond respectively tothe light-emitting elements. The light-receiving portion 226 detectsvariations in the intensity of light by the light irradiated from thelight-emitting portion 224 being transmitted through the negative film16. In this way, the edges of each image frame are detected. The imageplane detection sensor 222 is connected to the controller 162. Eachimage frame is positioned at the printing opening 210 in accordance withthe detected edges. Besides magnetically recording information regardingthe aspect ratio as described above, the image plane detection sensor222 may be used to detect the image size and judge the aspect ratio.

An unillustrated counter is provided at the controller 162. When astandard image, high vision image, cinerama image or panorama image isprinted, the value of the counter is increased, and the counter storesthe cumulative number of prints N for each roll of negative film.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, the standard images 16A, the high visionimages 16B, and the panorama images 16C are recorded on the negativefilm 16 relating to the present embodiment. These images are recorded inimage areas of the same size having uniform lengths in the longitudinaldirection. The aspect ratio is changed by changing the lengths in thetransverse direction.

The operation of the present embodiment will be described hereinafter.

Printing operation at the printer processor 10 will be describedaccording to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6.

First, in Step 140, counters L, H, C, P, which are provided at thecontroller 162 and which correspond respectively to the print sizes, areall cleared. The negative carrier 18 transports the negative film 16(step 142). The perforation detection sensor 216 detects theperforations of the negative film 16 so that the transport amount of thenegative film 16 is controlled.

As the negative film 16 is transported within the negative carrier 18,the aspect ratio information recorded on the negative film 16 is read bythe reading head 214 (step 144). Thereafter, an image frame ispositioned at the printing opening 210 (step 146).

In step 148, the exposure conditions are set. The LATD (large areatransmittance density) of the negative film 16 is measured by thedensity measuring device 56. An exposure correction value is set fromthe measured data and from data key-input manually. The amount ofexposure (exposure time) is calculated so that an optimal print isobtained. The amount of exposure may be determined by magneticinformation, which is recorded on the negative film 16, being read bythe reading head 214 and the recorded amount of exposure being used as astandard.

Further, in the setting of the exposure conditions, the image frame ismasked by the upper mask 212 in accordance with the aspect ratio. Theupper mask 212 is changed so as to correspond to the aspect ratio readby the reading head 214. The lens 48 becomes a zoom lens. The projectionmagnification corresponding to the aspect ratio and the opening of thevariable mask 61 are varied such that the masking of the photographicpaper 54 can be changed.

When the exposure conditions have been set, printing processing iseffected (step 150). The light source 38 is lit, and the photographicpaper 54 is transported and positioned in the exposure room 52. Theshutter 50 is opened. Accordingly, light irradiated from the lightsource 38 passes through the filter section 40 and the negative film 16,and reaches the exposure room 52. Printing of the images of the negativefilm 16 onto the photographic paper 54 positioned in the exposure room52 begins. Each of the C, M, Y filters positioned on the optical axis ofthe above-mentioned light is moved in accordance with the exposureconditions. After the predetermined exposure time has elapsed, theshutter 50 is closed.

Further, in step 152, when the exposure conditions are set, 1 is addedto the counter of the print size corresponding to the determined aspectratio. For example, when printing is effected for a standard print, 1 isadded to the counter L such that the counters read L=1, H=0, C=0, P=0.

Next, in step 154, each print mark 100 and each cumulative number ofprints N is printed by the printer 110 onto the rear surface of thephotographic paper 54 onto which the image has been printed. Thecumulative numbers of prints N are the values of the counterscorresponding to the respective print sizes.

Thereafter, the process returns a predetermined number of times to step142, and printing onto the photographic paper 54 is repeated. When adetermination is made (step 156) that printing processing has beencompleted for the final image, printing processing at the printerportion exposure portion 58 is finished.

For example, when printing each image frame of the negative film 16shown in FIG. 4A onto the photographic paper 54, the size marks 100 andthe cumulative numbers of prints N are printed as illustrated in FIG.4B.

Cut marks are applied between the image frames of the photographic paper54 by the cut mark applier 112. Completion of printing processing forone roll of the negative film 16 is indicated by the cut mark (omittedfrom FIG. 4B).

The photographic paper 54, on which the images of the negative film 16have been printed, is transported successively to the processor portion72 via a reservoir portion 70. The photographic paper 54, which istransported to the reservoir portion 70, is transported to the colordeveloping portion 74 where the photographic paper 54 is immersed indeveloping solution and undergoes developing processing. The developedphotographic paper 54 is transported to the bleaching/fixing portion 76and undergoes fixing processing. The fixed photographic paper 54 istransported to the rinsing portion 78 and undergoes washing processing.The washed photographic paper 54 is transported to the drying portion 80and undergoes drying processing.

Cut marks of the dried photographic paper 54 are detected at the cutterportion 84. The photographic paper 54 is cut into images which aresorted per roll of negative film by the sorter portion 108. By viewingthe back of the final print of the sorted prints, the number of printsof each print size printed from the negative film 16 can be verified.

As shown in FIG. 5A, it is possible to print only the size mark 100 andthe cumulative number of prints N of an image onto the rear surface ofthe printed photographic paper 54. Namely, because the print sizes ofthe finished prints are different, the cumulative number of prints of acertain print size can be known by looking at the final print of thatsize. In this case, it is not necessary to print the size mark 100.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 5B, it suffices to print the data only on thefinal print of each print size. In this case, the print size may bedetermined by the cut mark sensor 86 from the length between the cutmarks or the like, and the sorter section 108 may be controlled to sortand accommodate the prints according to print size.

As shown in FIG. 5C, it suffices to print the size marks 100 of eachprint size and the cumulative numbers of prints N, which correspondrespectively to the size marks 100, only on the rear surface of thephotographic paper 54 onto which the final image of the negative film 16has been printed. In this case, it is necessary to either read inadvance the magnetic information recorded onto the negative film 16, or,at the start, to reference the images of the negative film 16 and verifythe final image frame of each size.

At a photographic printer in which images recorded on the negative film16 can be printed at an arbitrary aspect ratio by the operation of anoperator, the cumulative numbers of prints and the cumulative length ofphotographic paper which has been used may be counted. The length maythereby be printed onto the photographic paper 54 on which the finalimage is printed.

Second Embodiment

In FIG. 7, the schematic structure of a vicinity of the cutter portion84 of the printer processor 10 relating to a second embodiment of afourth aspect of the present invention is illustrated. The secondembodiment has basically the same structure as that of the firstembodiment. The same parts are denoted by the same symbols, anddescription thereof is omitted.

A print inverting device 90 is provided downstream of the cutter section84. In the print inverting device 90, one end of a guide 92 is axiallysupported by a side plate 94. Another end of the guide 92 can project ina vicinity of a print discharge opening 96 formed in the casing 12. Apair of nipping rollers 98 are provided above the guide 92. By the tipend of the guide 92 pivoting in the vicinity of the print dischargeopening 96, the photographic paper 54, which is interposed between andtransported by rollers 84A of the cutter portion 84, is guided by theguide 92 and is pulled upward by the nipping rollers 98. Further, whenthe rear end portion of the final print is detected by a detector 99,the nipping rollers 98 are driven to rotate in the opposite direction.The photographic paper 54 is discharged to the sorter portion 108.

In this way, the photographic paper 54 is accommodated between partitionplates 106 of the sorter portion 108 such that the rear surface of thephotographic paper 54 faces upward.

The photographic paper 84 transported to the cutter portion 84 is cutinto image frames by the cutter 88 in accordance with the cut marksdetected by the cut mark sensor 86. Further, when the final image of oneroll of the negative film 16 is printed, the cut mark is changed. Whenthe cut mark, which shows the final image of one roll of negative film16, is detected by the cut mark sensor 86, the print inverting device 90is operated. When the photographic paper 54 on which the final image isprinted is discharged from the cutter portion 84 to the sorter portion108, the photographic paper 54 is inverted and accommodated.

When the prints of one roll of the negative film 16 which are stacked inthe sorter portion 108 are placed in a bag, the final print, on whicheach print size and each cumulative number of prints are printed, isaccommodated such that the printed surface thereof faces upward.Therefore, the print sizes and the number of prints can be verified. Thecalculation or verification of the cost of the prints can be easilycarried out. Further, the print inverting device, which inverts thefinal photographic paper 54, is not limited to the above construction.

An embodiment of sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention willnow be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 8, aprinter processor 312 equipped with a print stacking device 310 of thepresent aspects is illustrated.

As shown as an example in FIG. 11, images having various aspect ratios,such as a full size image 314A, a high vision size image 314B, acinerama size image 314C, a panorama size image 314D and the like, arerecorded during photographing by a camera onto a negative film 314. Thenegative film 314 is set at the printer processor 312 of the presentembodiment. Further, a magnetic material is applied to the vicinity ofan edge portion of the negative film 314 so as to provide a magnetictrack 316. Information which specifies the aspect ratios of the Imagesat the time of photographing is magnetically recorded onto the magnetictrack 316 at regions corresponding to the respective images. Informationshowing photographing conditions and the like may also be magneticallyrecorded at the same time.

As shown in FIG. 8, a printer portion 318, in which the above-mentionedimages recorded on the negative film 314 are printed onto color paper,is provided at the printer processor 312. The printer portion 318 isequipped with a reading head which reads the information magneticallyrecorded on the magnetic track 316. The printer portion 318 positionsthe images at the exposure position. After the images have beenpositioned at the exposure position, the images are photometricallymeasured. Print magnification, exposure conditions and the like aredetermined by considering the aspect ratios and the like of the images.An unillustrated negative mask and paper mask are adjusted, and printingprocessing of the images onto color paper 320 is effected at theabove-mentioned exposure conditions. Accordingly, as shown as an examplein FIG. 12, the prints, which are printed on the color paper 320 andwhich correspond to an order for one roll of negative film, include fullsize prints 320A, high vision size prints 320B, cinerama size prints320C, and panorama size prints 320D.

An unillustrated marker is provided in the printer portion 318. Themarker applies a cut mark 322 between prints of the color paper 320which passes through the printer portion 318. Further, a sort mark 324is applied to each print corresponding to one roll of negative film,i.e., each print corresponding to one order.

The color paper 320, on which the images have been printed and to whichthe cut marks 322 and the sort marks 324 have been applied, istransported to a processor portion 326. Processing tanks for colordeveloping, bleaching/fixing, and washing are provided in the processorportion 326. The color paper 320 is immersed in the processing solutionsstored in each of the processing tanks, and is processed. Thereafter,the water content and the like adhering to the surfaces of the colorpaper 320 is dried in a drying portion. The color paper is then sent tothe print stacking device 310.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, a color paper transport path is formed withinthe print stacking device 310. A plurality of transport rollers 328 isdisposed along the color paper transport path. A driving force from amotor 330 is transmitted to the transport rollers 328 so that thetransport rollers 328 rotate and the color paper 320 is transported. Thecolor paper 320 is transported into the print stacking device 310 suchthat the color paper 320 is inserted in the transport path and the imagesurface is positioned towards the right side in FIG. 9. The rotation ofa driving shaft of the motor 330 is converted by an encoder 332 into apulse signal having a number of pulses which corresponds to the numberof revolutions. The pulse signal is input to a control circuit 334.

A sensor 336, which detects the existence of cut marks 322 and sortmarks 324 applied to the color paper 320, is disposed in a vicinity ofthe transport rollers 328. The sensor 336 is connected to the controlcircuit 334, and outputs a signal, which shows whether or not there is acut mark 332 and/or a sort mark 324, to the control circuit 334. Acutter 338 is provided on the paper transport path downstream of thearea where the sensor 336 is disposed. The cutter 338 is connected tothe control circuit 334. Operation of the cutter 338 is controlled bythe control circuit 334. After a cut mark 322 has been detected by thesensor 336, the control circuit 334 transports the color paper 320 onlya predetermined distance (the distance E shown in FIG. 9) so that thecut mark 322 reaches the area at which the cutter 338 is disposed. Thecontrol circuit 334 also operates the cutter 338 so that the color paper320 is cut into prints.

The prints cut by the cutter 338 are guided downstream of the cutter 338where a variable guide 340, which can change the direction in which theprints are guided, is provided. The variable guide 340 is pivotablebetween the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 9 and the positionshown by the imaginary line. A plurality of accommodating portions 342A,342B, 342C, 342D are disposed downstream of the variable guide 340 so asto correspond to the locus of movement of the variable guide 340. Thevariable guide 340 is pivoted by an actuator 344. The prints cut by thecutter 338 are guided into one of the plurality of the accommodatingportions 342A, 342B, 342C, 342D. The prints guided into theaccommodating portions 342 are stacked within the accommodating portions342 such that the image surfaces of the prints face upward. Theaccommodating portion 342A is used for prints whose aspect ratio is fullsize. The accommodating portion 342B is used for prints whose aspectratio is high vision size. The accommodating portion 342C is used forprints whose aspect ratio is cinerama size. The accommodating portion342D is used for prints whose aspect ratio is panorama size.

As shown in FIG. 10, ramps 346 are mounted respectively at side surfacesof the plurality of the accommodating portions 342A, 342B, 342C, 342D. Atray 348 is disposed at the opposite side of the accommodating portions342 such that the ramps 346 are interposed between the accommodatingportions 342 and the tray 348. The ramps 346 are inclined towards thetray 348. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, elongated holes similar to anelongated hole 350 are provided in each of the accommodating portions342. A rod 352 penetrates through each of the elongated holes. As shownin FIG. 9, a chain 354, which is wound around a pair of unillustratedsprockets, is disposed in a vicinity of an upper end of the rod 352. Therod 352 is mounted to the chain 354 via a bracket 356. A driving forceis transmitted from an unillustrated driving means to the chain 354 sothat the chain 354 rotates. Accordingly, the rod 352 is moved along thelongitudinal direction of the elongated hole 350. When the rod 352 ismoved along the elongated hole in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 10,prints which are stacked in the accommodating portions 342 are slid downthe ramps 346 and are loaded onto the tray 348.

As shown in FIG. 10, a sorter 360 is provided adjacent to the tray 348.An unillustrated moving mechanism is provided at the tray 348 to movethe prints, which are loaded on the tray 348, onto a belt 362, whichwill be described later, of the sorter 360. The sorter 360 is equippedwith the endless belt 362, which is wound around a pair of unillustratedsprockets. A driving force of an unillustrated driving means istransmitted to the sprockets so that the sprockets rotate. Accordingly,the belt 362 is also rotated. A plurality of partition plates 364 aremounted to the endless belt 362 so as to divide the belt 362 into aplurality of accommodating portions. The prints moved to the sorter 360by the above-mentioned moving mechanism are accommodated in one of theaccommodating portions defined by the partition plates 364.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. First,with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 14, an interruptionroutine of the present embodiment will be described. The interruptionroutine in FIG. 14 is implemented at the rising of each pulse of thepulse signal inputted from the encoder 332. In step 440, 1 is added to apulse count value P, and the process is completed. Accordingly, thepulse count value P is increased to a value corresponding to an amountof transport of the color paper 320.

Next, the main routine of the present embodiment will be described withreference to the flowcharts in FIGS. 13A and 13B. The main routine isimplemented when the color paper 320, on which the images have beenprinted and to which the cut marks 322 and the sort marks 324 have beenapplied, is transported into the print stacking device 310.

In step 400, an area provided in the memory and used as a flag is set tozero. In step 402, the pulse count value P and the values of the printnumber counters, which are provided for prints of each of the aspectsizes, are reset. Further, the transport rollers 328 are driven so thatthe transport of the color paper 320 begins.

In step 404, the detection signal of the sensor 336 is monitored, and adetermination is made as to whether or not a cut mark 322 has beendetected. If the answer to the determination in step 404 is "No", thedetermination in step 404 is repeated until a cut mark 322 is detected.When a cut mark 322 is detected, the process moves on to step 408 wherea determination is made as to whether a sort mark 324 was detectedsimultaneously with the cut mark 322. If the answer to the determinationin step 408 is "No", the process moves to step 412.

In step 412, the pulse count value P is taken in and the count value Pis reset. In the subsequent step 414, the aspect ratio of the print isdetermined based on the taken-in count value P. The count value Pcorresponds to the distance between adjacent cut marks, i.e., thelongitudinal dimension of the print. The transverse dimension of theprint is the transverse dimension of the color paper 320 and isconstant. Therefore, the aspect ratio of the print can be determinedfrom the count value P.

In step 416, the color paper 320 is transported only the distancebetween the area at which the sensor 336 is disposed and the area atwhich the cutter 338 is disposed (the distance E shown in FIG. 9). Thecutter 338 is operated, and the color paper 320 is cut. In this way,when the cut marks 322 are positioned at the area at which the cutter338 is disposed, the cutter 338 is operated, and the color paper 320 iscut into prints.

In step 418, a determination is made as to whether or not the aspectratio, which was determined in step 414, of the print is an aspect ratiowhich corresponds to a full size print. If the answer to thedetermination in step 418 is "Yes", in step 420 the variable guide 340is moved via the actuator 344 so as to correspond to the accommodatingportion 342A used for full size prints. Accordingly, the cut print isguided by the variable guide 340 and is accommodated within theaccommodating portion 342A. Simultaneously, the count value of the printnumber counter for full size prints is increased.

Meanwhile, if the answer to the determination in step 418 is "No", theprocess moves to step 422 where it is determined whether the aspectratio of the print is an aspect ratio corresponding to a high visionsize print. If the answer to the determination in step 422 is "Yes", instep 424 the variable guide 340 is moved so as to correspond to theaccommodating portion 342B used for high vision size prints.Accordingly, the cut print is guided by the variable guide 340 and isaccommodated within the accommodating portion 342B. Simultaneously, thecount value of the print number counter for high vision size prints isincreased.

If the answer to the determination in step 422 is "No", the processmoves to step 426 where a determination is made as to whether or not theaspect ratio of the print is an aspect ratio corresponding to a cineramasize print. If the answer to the determination in step 426 is "Yes", instep 428 the variable guide 340 is moved so as to correspond to theaccommodating portion 342C used for cinerama size prints. Accordingly,the cut print is guided by the variable guide 340 and is accommodatedwithin the accommodating portion 342C. Simultaneously, the count valueof the print number counter for cinerama size prints is increased.

Further, if the answer to the determination in step 426 is "No", it isdetermined that the aspect ratio of the print is an aspect ratiocorresponding to a panorama size print. In step 430, the variable guide340 is moved so as to correspond to the accommodating portion 342D usedfor panorama size prints. Accordingly, the cut print is guided by thevariable guide 340 and is accommodated within the accommodating portion342D. Simultaneously, the count value of the print number counter forpanorama size prints is increased.

In subsequent step 432, a determination is made as to whether the flagis one. If the answer to the determination in step 432 is "No", theprocess returns to step 404, and the processes in step 404 through step432 are repeated. In this way, prints corresponding to one order areclassified by aspect ratio. The prints are stacked in the respectiveaccommodating portions 342A, 342B, 342C, 342D which correspondrespectively to, in order of ascending aspect ratio, the full sizeprints, high vision size prints, cinerama size prints, and panorama sizeprints. Further, the number of prints of each print size is counted forone order.

When the prints corresponding to one order have been completed, the sortmark 324 is detected by the sensor 336. In this case, the answer to thedetermination in step 408 is "Yes", and the flag is set to one in step410. The process then moves onto step 412. In this way, thedetermination in step 432 is "Yes", and the process proceeds to step434.

In step 434, the rod 352 is moved in the direction of arrow F in FIG.10. Accordingly, the groups of prints of each aspect ratio stackedwithin the accommodating portions 342A, 342B, 342C, 342D are slid downthe ramps 346 and are loaded on the tray 348. As described above, theimages are stacked such that the prints in each accommodating portioncorrespond to the respective aspect ratio and the image surfaces of theprints face upward. Therefore, the groups of prints are stacked on thetray 348 in the order of full size, high vision size, cinerama size, andpanorama size, as seen from the image surface side. Further, in step434, the moving mechanism is operated so that the prints loaded on thetray 348 are moved onto the belt 362 of the sorter 360.

In step 436, the driving means is driven, and the belt 362 of the sorter360 is moved by an amount of one section partitioned by the partitionplates 364. Moreover, the count values of the counters for each size arestored, and the count values are reset. The flag is set to zero, and theprocess returns to step 404. By the above-described processes, printsfor one order are accommodated in a space defined by the partitionplates 364.

In this way, in the present embodiment, prints are gathered and stackedin the spaces of the sorter 360 such that the prints having the sameaspect ratio are grouped together. Therefore, the management of theprints at after-processes such as inspection, verification, and the likeimproves. Inspection work, verification work and the like can be carriedout easily. The appearance also improves. Moreover, after-processes suchas inspection, verification and the like are usually effected with theprints corresponding to one order disposed such that the image surfacesthereof are facing forward. However, in the present embodiment, thegroups of prints are arranged in order of the-aspect ratios, and thegroup of prints with the low aspect ratio is stacked at the imagesurface side. Therefore, when the images of the prints having the lowaspect ratio are verified during inspection, verification, or the like,the high aspect ratio prints do not get in the way. Inspection work,verification work, and the like can thereby be carried out efficiently.

Further, in the present embodiment, the numbers of prints of each aspectratio, which correspond to one order, are counted and stored. Therefore,the calculation of the cost of one order and the like can be easilycarried out in the after-processes.

The cut marks 322 and the sort marks 324 applied to the color paper 320are not limited to the marks shown in FIG. 12. For example, cut marksand sort marks may be indicated by punch holes provided in the colorpaper 320.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, the aspect ratio of a print isdetermined by using the encoder to measure the distance between adjacentcut marks 322. However, the aspect ratio may also be determined by usinga pulse motor to measure the distance from the number of pulses of apulse current provided by a pulse motor. Further, the present inventionis not limited to a method of determining the aspect ratio by measuringthe distances between the cut marks 322. For example, code informationshowing the aspect ratio Of each print may be printed at the printerportion 318 onto the rear surface of each print. This code informationmay be, for example, read optically so that the aspect ratio may bedetermined. Moreover, at the printer portion 318, punch holes showingthe aspect ratio of each print may be formed, and the aspect ratio canbe determined by detecting these punch holes. Further, the aspect ratiosfor each print of one roll of the negative film 314 corresponding to oneorder may be made to correspond to ID, which expresses the order of thenegative film 314, and stored by a storing means of a memory or thelike. In this case, information distinguishing the ID is applied to thefirst print of the order. This information is read so as to determinethe ID. The stored information is read, and processing is effected.

In the present embodiment, the aspect ratios of each of the imagesrecorded on the negative film 314 are magnetically stored on themagnetic track 316. This information is read at the printer portion 318of the printer processor 312, and print processing of the images iseffected. However, the aspect ratio of each image may be expressed as,for example, a bar code, and recorded on the negative film 314. Further,the information may be recorded on a memory card or the like providedseparately from the negative film 314.

In the present embodiment, there are four types of aspect ratios of theimages recorded on the negative film 314: full size, high vision size,cinerama size, and panorama size. The four accommodating portions 342A,342B, 342C, 342D are provided so as to correspond to the sizes. However,the present invention is not limited to the above aspect ratios and theabove number of varieties of aspect ratios.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, the variable guide 340 is pivotedand guides each print such that prints of different aspect ratios arestacked in different accommodating portions. However, as shown in FIG.15, a structure may be provided in which a fixed guide 370, which doesnot pivot, is provided instead of the variable guide, and aaccommodating portion 372, which is equipped with the plurality ofaccommodating portions 342A, 342B, 342C, 342D, is movable in directionsof rising and falling (directions shown by the arrow in FIG. 15). Theaccommodating portion 372 is moved upward and downward via an actuator374 in accordance with the aspect ratio of each print. One of theplurality of the accommodating portions 342 is made to correspond to aguide 370 such that prints of different aspect ratios are stacked indifferent accommodating portions 342.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example is shown in which theprint stacking device 310 is mounted to the printer processor 312.However, for example, the print stacking device of the present aspectmay be disposed at a print discharge side of paper cutter used in a labor the like.

What is claimed is:
 1. A print processing method for printing aplurality of images having different aspect ratios recorded on anegative film, comprising the steps of:(a) automatically detecting awidth of an image plane which is perpendicular to a longitudinaldirection of the negative film and judging the aspect ratio of an image,(b) applying projection magnification, corresponding to the judgedaspect ratio, to said image, (c) performing masking, corresponding tothe judged aspect ratio, of a photographic paper, (d) transporting thephotographic paper for a distance which corresponds to the judged aspectratio, and positioning the photographic paper, (e) printing said imagerecorded on the negative film onto the photographic paper and cuttingthe photographic paper to the size corresponding to the judged aspectratio.
 2. A print processing method according to claim 1, wherein saidstep of automatically detecting the width is carried out by irradiatinglight to a transported negative film and detecting an intensity of lighttransmitted through the negative film.
 3. A print processing methodaccording to claim 2, wherein said step of automatically detecting thewidth is carried out by detecting an edge of each image frame bydetecting the intensity of light transmitted through the negative film.4. A print processing method according to claim 2, wherein said step ofautomatically detecting the width is carried out by detecting theintensity of light at a plurality of detection points.
 5. A printprocessing method according to claim 1, further comprising the followingstep before said step (a): transporting the negative film and settingthe negative film at a printing position.